Crafty Consumer: "Hypermiling"

I did an experiment on whether it is possible to extend your car's fuel mileage with just a few simple rules. I used my Ford Ranger XLT pickup truck for this experiment. Previously, for a full tank of about 55 liters, I will be able to travel, on average, up to 600 km. Using the simples rules, I was able to travel 741 km on a single tank!

First thing first. What is "Hypermiling"? This concept is about following a few rules while driving that will, in the long run, extend the mileage of any standard car. The rules to follow are as follows:

1. Move immediately after starting the car.

Popular wisdom states that a car will be efficient in its fuel burning when the engine has reached its optimum operating temperature. Although this is true, keeping the car stationary is still wasting the precious commodity. Why can't we start the car moving immediately and let the engine warm up during this time? This would be much better for increasing mileage.

2. Coast your car when going downhill.

The distance that you will be able to cover relatively to the amount of fuel used is maximized if you can coast your car downhill.

3. Maintain speed limit within the law.

The faster you drive your car, the more your engine will be pushed and hence reducing fuel efficiency. This is because wind resistance increases exponentially for every increase in speed. Therefore, more energy will be needed to make that extra push.

4. If the car will not be using for more than 2 minutes, stop the engine.

Leaving the engine running when you know with some certainty that you will not be moving after more than 2 minutes will save fuel. Yes, starting en engine will use a bit of extra fuel, however, it is still better than keeping it running.

5. Anticipate traffic conditions, reduce breaking to the very minimal.

Energy savings is all about momentum conservation. Using breaks too often waste energy. Therefore, try to anticipate. For example, if you see that the traffic light is red, just coast to the end of the queue, don't continue to step on the peddle and brake at the last minute.